EASTERN HIGHFIN SPURDOG

Taxonomy:

Phylum– Chordata

Class– Chondrichthyles

Subclass– Elasmobranchii

Order– Squaliformes

Common Name– Dogfish Sharks

Family– Squalidae

Common Name– Dogfish Sharks

Genus– Squalus

Species– albifrons

Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT

Average Size and Length: The length of the longest specimen measured is 2.1 feet (65 cm). The smallest found was a male at 2 feet (62 cm).

Head: The head of the Eastern Highfin spurdog is broad and the snout is short and broad. There are small barbels on the anterior nasal flaps. The eyes are large, high, and very close to the tip of the snout.

Tail: The caudal fin of the Eastern Highfin spurdog is shorter than the Bartail spurdog.

Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: found on the continental shelf off eastern Australia including Queensland, at depths between 722-1,673 feet.

Aesthetic Identification: Very similar in appearance to the Bartail spurdog. The body of the Eastern Highfin spurdog is slender. It is grey-brown dorsally, and counter-shaded white ventrically. The dorsal fin has dusky tips and edges. The posterior caudal fin margin and ventral lobe are light. The pectoral fins are broad and triangular have slightly concave posterior margins and narrowly rounded rear tips. The first dorsal fin is high and short, and shorter than the Bartail spurdogs. The fin spine originates over the pectoral inner margins. The first dorsal spine is high and a bit stout. The second dorsal fin spine is thicker than the Bartail spurdogs.

Biology and Reproduction: The Eastern Highfin Spurdog is thought to be ovoviviparous.

Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown

Eastern Highfin Spurdog Future and Conservation: The Eastern Highfin Spurdog is rare and endemic.

Eastern Highfin Spurdog Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.